The 83-year-old creative director opens up to mag about working with the Fendi family — the longest collaboration in fashion history.

On his work style and what separates him from other designers: “I’m easy to work with. I’m not on an ego trip. I’m only interested in the craft and the design and to work with people I enjoy. Many other designers have an ego problem. Most of them do. That’s really the problem.”

On the secret of why Karl and the Fendi family have worked together for half a century: “We work so well together. I never had the feeling I was married, so it was like an open-marriage situation. I’ve kept the passion because there is no exclusivity. I need the fresh air from the outside to see what’s going on. If you put me in a cage, I am worthless.”